Nurturing the Heart Meridian: Embracing a Heart-Centred Practise as Summer Approaches
Summer has finally arrived in Scotland, and it's incredible to have weather above 20 degrees. May was absolutely beautiful, and now, at the beginning of June, it feels like the solstice has already arrived with these long days and bright nights. As we eagerly wait for the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere on June 21, which marks the start of summer, it's a great time to learn about the amazing benefits of a heart-centred practise that strengthens the heart meridian.
The heart is widely regarded as the seat of emotions in many spiritual traditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the heart is seen as the ruler of all the organs of the body and is linked to the fire element. It is regarded as the "emperor" of the body because it balances the functions of all the other organ systems. In TCM, the heart is thought to be the home of our shen, which means "spirit" or "consciousness." It is within the shen that our emotions, mental processes, and overall vitality live.
The heart meridian is one of the energy pathways that ties the physical heart to other organs and tissues along its path. It is vital for moving Qi (vital energy) and blood around the body, making sure that all our tissues and systems are nourished and healthy. The heart axis is also linked to the tongue, which is why TCM doctors often look at changes in the tongue to assess the condition of the heart.
It is believed that when we do heart-centred practises with a focus on the heart meridian, it can help with emotional health, clear the mind, and boost overall vitality. These practises can often help us to cultivate traits like love, compassion, gratitude, and joy, which are linked to a heart energy that is balanced and in harmony. TCM practitioners believe that we can maintain our general health and emotional balance by taking care of the heart meridian.
We can do this very simply with practises such as Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, and breath-work, with a focus on the heart. Here we can learn to keep our emotions in balance, fostering more love, kindness, and joy for ourselves and others. These practises help us get in touch with our thoughts and feelings, allowing us the space to cultivate deeper self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Yoga Nidra is a powerful practise of guided relaxation and meditation that brings deep rest and rejuvenation to the body and mind. During the Summer Solstice, we can adapt Yoga Nidra to focus on nourishing the heart and inviting in the energy of the season. As you settle into a comfortable lying position, allow this guided practise to lead you through a journey of deep relaxation, connecting with the warmth and radiance of the sun, and awakening the heart's energy.
Incorporating cooling Yin yoga poses into your practise can also be particularly helpful during the summer, especially if you engage in activities that generate heat in the body, such as daily Ashtanga yoga. Here are some of my favourites Yin yoga shapes that can help cool the body and reduce excessive heat:
Supported Fish Pose (Matsyasana): Using props like bolsters or blankets for support, gently recline back and open your chest, allowing your heart centre to expand. Breathe deeply into the space of your heart, feeling a sense of openness and receptivity.
Reclining Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana): Lie on your back and draw one knee into your chest. Slowly guide the knee across your body to the opposite side while keeping your shoulders grounded. This gentle twist helps release tension in the spine and promotes a sense of grounding and balance.
Supported Child's Pose (Balasana): Use a bolster or folded blanket to support your torso and rest your forehead, allowing your heart to soften and your breath to deepen. Surrender to the pose, feeling a sense of surrender and relaxation in your heart and mind.
Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): Lie on your back and extend your legs up a wall or any elevated surface, allowing your blood to flow back towards your heart while creating a calming effect. Feel the support of the earth beneath you and let go of any tension or stress.
Incorporate these cooling Yin Yoga poses into your practise, holding each pose for a few minutes, focusing on deep, mindful breaths, and allowing your body to release tension and cool down.
To complement your practise, you can incorporate cooling pranayama (breathwork) techniques too. Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayama are particularly effective for reducing excess heat in the body.
Sheetali, curl your tongue between your lips and inhale deeply through the rolled tongue, then exhale through the nose.
Sheetkari, press your teeth lightly together and inhale through the gaps between your teeth, then exhale through the nose.
Each of these practises, both individually and collectively, can have a calming effect on the nervous system and promote a cooling sensation within the body.
Remember to listen to your body and practise with gentleness and respect. As you embrace a heart-centred practise during the summer months, prioritise self-care, mindfulness, and cooling practises to maintain balance and nourishment. I hope your summer solstice is filled with abundance, joy, and deep connection.
Happy practising!
Much love, Gem
